Individuals who have survived a heart attack are at risk to die of heart rupture which is literally the heart bursting out of the arterial wall. This is the result of a new study at the University of Iowa where researchers discovered a single protein that acts as a risk factor in the “biochemical cascade” that will ultimately lead to heart rupture.

The findings of this study was published last November 13, 2011 as an Advance Online Publication of the journal Nature Medicine which focuses experts attention to blocking the action of this specific protein known as CaM kinase. It is known that after a heart attack, the body produces chemicals that are known to be involved in healing and repair of the heart tissue. But too much chemicals can be too much for a frail and injured heart which may cause further damage which can lead to total heart failure and ultimately death due to heart rupture. This study further assesses the effects of the different medications prescribed after a heart attack. Beta-blockers which block the action of adrenaline and medication that block the angiotensin receptor. Mark E. Anderson, MD PhD, UI professor and head of internal medicine and senior study author also stresses the third phases of prescription medication which must be composed of drugs that block aldosterone action.

Aldosterone is known to increase after a heart attack and the high levels of this particular hormone can increase the risk of death days after a heart attack. Aldosterone is also thought to work with CaM kinase which can ultimately lead to techniques in preventing heart rupture through blocking this protein.

This study will surely be beneficial to individuals who have just suffered a heart attack to further preserve heart health and ultimately preventing heart rupture which leads to death.